Research & Publication

International Research Fellowship

2018 MMCA International Research Fellowship

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA) hosts an international research program for the museum professionals including curators, conservators and educators. This program was initiated as a part of the Cultural Partnership Initiative (CPI) Project supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea. Participants of this program have been mainly curators of contemporary art museums from all over the world.

This research program aims to provide a sustainable platform for initiating dialogues and for developing a comprehensive network among museum professionals.

The general information and requirements of the program are listed as below:

1. Period : July - November, 2018

2. Host Institution : National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea

3. Inviting Researchers : 3 professionals

4. Program Description

Individual research in link with Korean modern and contemporary art
Research fellow must present a final essay of his/her research at the end of the fellowship.

Visiting art studios, museums, galleries and art institutions

Meeting artists and museum professionals in Korea

Attending art related conferences

Cultural field trips

Korean language course (mandatory)

5. General Qualifications

Individuals who work in related fields of contemporary art such as museum professionals, curators, art historians, critics, conservators, educators, etc.

Citizen of the following regions: Asia, Africa, Middle East, Eastern Europe, Central and South America
Applicants from other regions than those mentioned above will NOT be considered.

Aged between 25 and 45

Good use of English language

Individuals who have high interest in cultural exchange

6. Financial Support

Financial Support

Round-trip airfare

Round-trip airfare (economy class) from the airport near the participant's place of residence to Seoul, Korea.

Accommodation provided

An individual studio unit inside the university campus will be given. Utility fees are not included.

Monthly living expense

900,000 Korean won per month is provided to cover food, transportation, taxes, public utilities, entrance fees, etc.Living expense is deposited directly to the participant's Korean bank account at the end of every month. Beside the monthly allowance, no additional financial support is given by the host institution.

Korean language course fee

All participants are obliged to take the Korean language course for 200 hours as a part of the program

Traveler's insurance fees

A standard insurance coverage will be provided by the host institution. Detailed information will be provided upon participant's entry to Korea. Any supplementary insurance coverage can be arranged and covered by articipants.

15th April, 2018
Application by e-mail will be also accepted, if all the required documents are accompanied as electronice files.

Submission of Application

Send documents to:

2018 MMCA International Research Fellowship Program Curatorial Department National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea 313, Gwangmyeong-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13829, South Korea

Notification of Selection

The result of the final selection will be informed individually in mid May.

8. Commitments and Regulations

Activities provided during the program must be in accordance to the original intent. Participants will be discharged from the program when participating in profit-gaining activities or other activities not related to one's intended purpose of visiting Korea. Participants generally may not be accompanied by family or friends. The final report must be submitted at the end of the program. Confirmation of training certificate will be issued by the host institution upon completion of the program and submission of required results.

1) Drafting Contract Agreement

A contract agreement regarding managements and obligations between the host institution and the participants will be drafted for each party.

2) Additional Events sponsored by the CPI Secretariat

The Secretariat will provide general orientations regarding the CPI project and living in Korea. Culture trips, international symposium, farewell party, and other events sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the CPI Secretariat are provided. All participants are requested to join these events.

9. Process upon Arrival for Selected Personnel

1) Health examination documents required

A health examination must be done at one's own expense in home country after notified to be selected as a participant of the program, and it must be submitted to the host institution by mail. The document is required for visa application. Doctor's statement is required for the participant with a long-term disorder such as hypertension, diabetes, depression, and etc. Please note that the host institution shall arrange to have the participant's health examined with your arrival.

2) Documents for Visa issuance

It is necessary to obtain a valid visa from Korean Embassy in the participant's country. At the time of visa application, the letter of invitation will be arranged by the host institution. However, selected participants are required beforehand to submit documents necessary in full for visa issuance.

3) Entry to Korea through Incheon International Airport

Leaving and Re-entering later on during the program is generally not allowed. In case of an emergency, the fellow must discuss with the institution prior to departure.

4) Personal Items

Personal items must be prepared upon entry into Korea. Any cost for shipment should be covered by the participants, both coming in and out of Korea.

5) Creating a bank account

Upon arrival in Korea, the participant must open a bank account in one's own name, to receive living expenses monthly.

6) Foreigner Registration Card

Foreigner registration must be completed right after entering the Republic of Korea and the issued registration card must be carried on person at all the time.